Georgia Teacher of the Year Luncheon and Conference

May 5, 2013

Wow! After reflecting upon my experiences the last 24 hours, I can’t help but smile. I had the experience of a lifetime yesterday being among my fellow Georgia educators who shared the same district TOY title as I do. I met some incredible ladies and gentlemen. However, let me start at the very beginning of my journey to Atlanta on Thursday night.

Braves GameMy husband had never been to Turner Field in the new stadium (which isn’t new any more), so when we decided for me to participate in the TOY events, I found half price field level tickets for the Braves game. We had great seats and the game was so much fun. It was such a great way to spend time together and just have fun. Unfortunately, the Braves lost 🙁 but we still had an awesome night.

GTOY Luncheon After getting back to the hotel pretty late after the game Thursday, Friday morning we slept in LATE!!! 9:30, people…late for parents of small children. It was heaven, but what was even better was that my husband went downstairs and brought back me breakfast in bed. Such a sweetie! Getting dressed for the conference, I was really nervous. I am pretty outgoing, but I still get nervous meeting new people. When I entered the International Conference Center, I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to go…but I followed the laughter and sure enough…laughter= teachers with a day off of work! 🙂 I immediately found a kindred spirited friend – Rome County TOY. After lunch, we heard from former Georgia TOYs. The stories and experiences that they shared were so interesting and sounded so much fun. We also received certificates from the current 2013 Georgia Teacher of the Year.

Promising Practices ConferenceAfter a quick break, we then were broken into grade level groups. The K-3 group was where I was and all I can say is WOW! We have great teachers in our state. I was nervous about my presentation. I shared my word problem puzzles and word problem bingo from my TPT store. After I presented, everyone seemed very positive and interested. During Q&A, everyone had tons of questions about my products and ideas in my TPT store. I was so excited to share about how I got started and some of the other products I have worked on for my students. It was a great opportunity to network with teachers across our state.

Georgia Teacher of the Year BanquetThe BIG event! I love getting all dressed up and seeing my husband in a suit. Nothing better in my book! The Georgia TOY banquet was a huge affair. The food was ok, but walking on stage in front of 4,000+ people = nervous!!!! So no food was going to taste great, because I wasn’t going to risk throwing it up in front of so many people… lol OH….BTW… an 11 alive news anchor, Donna Lowry, was our announcer!!! She even said my name!!! 🙂 I also shook the hand of our State Superintendent, Dr. Barge and take a picture. Mine isn’t clear, but I can’t wait to see the one they send me. I can’t imagine how nervous the state finalists were, because I was shaking I was so nervous. I am sure the newly elected GTOY, Jemelleh Coes will represent our state well. One other detail, my dress is Holy Moly and was designed and sewn by my sister! The whole night I received all kinds of compliments!!!

I am so honored to work in Hart County Schools and to have had the opportunity to represent our county at the banquet and conference. I hope to serve to the best of my ability next year 2013-2014 as Hart County Teacher of the Year.

Message from 1977 Georgia TOYHuge surprise this evening! I received a personal message on my TPT store from the 1977 Georgia Teacher of the Year who liked my puzzles I had presented. She found me on my TPT store!